Funeral details announced for Ellen Cassidy (24) who died running Cork half marathon
'Your smile and drive will never be forgotten' – writes Ms Cassidy's swim club in tribute
The funeral details for Ellen Cassidy, of Carhoo, Mallow Road in Cork, who died while running the Cork half marathon on Sunday have been announced.
Ms Cassidy's family have requested that all ladies wear their most colourful outfit for the funeral. 'Bring a flower also if your heart desires,' said the death notice.
She will repose at her home on Wednesday from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Her requiem mass will take place on Thursday in the Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool at 11am, and will be followed by her burial at St Catherine's Cemetery, in Kilcully.
Emergency service workers fought to save the life of the 24-year-old who collapsed 'seconds from the finish line' on St Patrick's Street on Sunday.
Ms Cassidy was taken to Cork University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The young woman was a graduate of University College Cork. She was also a former student of St Angela's College on Patrick's Hill in the city.
Ms Cassidy was a keen swimmer who participated in numerous competitions over the years both in Ireland and overseas.
She joined Dolphin Swimming Club in Mayfield on the northside of Cork city at the age of nine. She competed with distinction on behalf of her club, Munster and Ireland. She also broke a large number of club records for Dolphin where she was a former 'Swimmer of the Year' and team captain.
Tributes were paid to the young woman by the Dolphin Swimming Club, where she served as club captain from 2017 to 2019.
'Ellen swam through life with grace, strength, and passion. Your smile, and your drive will never be forgotten,' the club said in a statement.
'Our deepest condolences to all the Cassidy's family and friends.'
When Ms Cassidy represented Ireland at a swimming meet in Luxembourg in January 2018, the club described her as 'such a positive role model for all our younger swimmers'.
Tributes were also paid by others in the Irish swimming community, including from Sundays Well Swimming Club based in Douglas, Cork.
'Our swimming community is deeply saddened by Ellen's passing. Her spirit, dedication and friendship touched us all,' the club wrote in a statement on social media.
'We send our heartfelt condolences to everyone at Dolphin Swimming Club from all at Sundays Well Swimming Club.'
Pictured: Ellen Cassidy 'swam through life with grace, strength, and passion', tributes read
The Fermoy Swimming Club said it is 'deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy' and expressed condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her.
'Ellen always had a smile for everyone she met and was an inspiration to all, both inside and outside the swimming community. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.'
Ms Cassidy competed in swimming for Munster as well as Ireland, with Swim Munster describing her in a tribute as an 'inspiration to everyone she met'.
'Swim Munster is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Ellen Cassidy yesterday,' a statement read.
'Ellen swan with Dolphin Swimming Club, University of Cork Swimming Club, Munster Regional Squad and represented Ireland at European Junior Championships.
'She was an inspiration to everyone she met and dedicated to her sport of swimming and the promotion of it, most recently as Joint Chairperson of the UCC Swimming Club and the organisation of the Inter Varsities Swimming Championship in Cork in 2024.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with her mother Violet, father Tom, sister Mary and brother Charlie, her family, friends, and all who knew her, during this difficult time.'
Shock
Christine O'Donoghue, from Blarney, Co Cork, was waiting for her own daughter Shannon (26) to finish the half marathon, when she realised an emergency was taking place on Sunday.
'The finish line is near Penneys,' Ms O'Donoghue said. 'My daughter's friend was tracking her on an app and we knew she was near the finish. But the next thing all we could hear was one of the medical team shouting 'AED, AED [Automated External Defibrillator].' They needed a defibrillator.
'The medical team dealt with it amazingly. I could see them all running but not in a panicked way. And the ambulance came within less than five minutes.
'A steward guided the runners to the other side of the road. We were in shock. My daughter then finished the race 10 minutes later. I started bawling when I saw her coming.
'But then I thought [of the person] who was probably standing, waiting for that girl to reach the finish line.'
Ms O'Donoghue said it was heartbreaking that an event where 'such humanity' had been on show, with runners and the crowd supporting each other, that a tragedy would then unfold.
Cork city Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, a participant in the half marathon, said: 'It's tragic news to hear after an event that was so heartwarming in other respects. The day was beautiful and the residents and volunteers who came out to support the participants were wonderful.
'Hearing the news emerge after the race finish, when we should all be cheering together, was so saddening. I'm sure the thoughts of everyone who took part alongside the woman are with her friends and family now.
'Just yesterday, I attended a launch of new equipment for the St John's Ambulance with two councillor colleagues, who were also running in the marathon. It was a reminder then about the role those services play in an event like this and I understand the young woman was treated at the finish line by emergency services.'
Ellen Cassidy
News in 90 seconds - June 2nd
In a statement issued on Monday morning, Cork City Council said: 'Cork City Council is deeply saddened at the passing of Ellen Cassidy, a participant of yesterday's Cork City Marathon.'
The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle offered his 'sincere condolences' to Ms Cassidy's family and friends.
'We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew Ellen. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time,' he said.
Over 11,000 runners participated in the full Cork City Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events.
**This article was amended on June 2, 2025 to correct the address of Ellen Cassidy.
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